Reeds are a versatile raw material, also in construction

The BioDemo project of Turku University of Applied Sciences, Business Turku and Åbo Akademi brings together actors in the bio- and circular economy and develops bio- and circular economy supply chains. The cane roof course introduced the forgotten cane roof construction in Finland.

Text and photos by Martti Komulainen

Under the watchful eye of chef Tarmo Ahonen, the forgotten skill of food covering in Finland is passed on to Aleksi Tervakanka, a student of mechanical engineering at Turku University of Applied Sciences. At work are canopies for the rubbish sheds to be installed later in the summer. The canopies will also serve as demonstration sites for cane construction.

The BioDemo project of Turku University of Applied Sciences, Business Turku and Åbo Akademi brings together actors in the bio- and circular economy and develops bio- and circular economy supply chains. A few bioeconomy entrepreneurs were also present at the course to get ideas and learn about the use of food.

Tero Almi from Rantaparturit Oy attended the course. Rantaparturit offers services related to mowing reed beds and harvesting food. The company also processes food material for various uses, such as mulch for gardens.

-The canopy issue is new for us this summer.

Jussi Niemi from Econ, a provider of ecological renovation and recycling services using natural materials, was also there to learn about building a canopy.

-Reed has potential for the future.

-The demand for green roofs currently exceeds supply in many Baltic Sea countries and building regulations in Europe are driving the increased use of natural materials. We in Finland still have a lot to learn about cane roofs, but they are also suitable for us. We want to promote the practical realisation of the food value chain, and canopies are a prerequisite for this,” says Noora Norokytö , Project Manager of the BioDemo project at Turku University of Applied Sciences.

The lake reeds that cover gulfs and lakeshores are a multi-purpose material and can be used not only for construction but also as energy and soil improver.

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